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Award for Winchester CCTV operator after arson arrest

CCTV operator Paul Houghton (centre) is presented with his award by Cllr Patricia Stallard, city council portfolio holder for communities, culture and sport and Frank Adamson, regional director (South) for Broadland Guarding Service

A WINCHESTER CCTV operator has received an award after helping to arrest a man in connection with a series of fires.

Paul Houghton spotted the alleged arsonist and quickly zoomed in to help police detain him.

The fires on the evening of Tuesday January 1 involved severe damage to Phase Eight clothes shop on the High Street, the entrance to the historic Deanery and at a yard off Upper Brook Street.

Mr Houghton was presented with his award by city councillor Patricia Stallard, portfolio holder for communities, culture and sport, and Frank Adamson, regional director for Broadland Guarding Service which monitors the CCTV contract.

Cllr Stallard said: “I was delighted to make this award to Paul. His work made an important contribution to the arrest and may also have helped to prevent far more widespread damage taking place. It shows the real value of our CCTV team.”

Mr Adamson added: “This award is presented in recognition of the outstanding job undertaken by Paul. His swift action, professionalism and camera skill enabled a positive identification of the offender to police which prevented him from causing further damage.”

A 47-year-old man is due at Winchester Crown Court on arson charges on March 26.